What Chinese patent medicines are suitable for spleen-stomach deficiency-cold?

Generally, patients with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold syndrome may take the following traditional Chinese patent medicines—Fuzi Lizhong Pills, Wenwei Shu Granules, Renshen Jianpi Pills, Xiangsha Yangwei Pills, and Lizhong Pills—as prescribed by a physician to help alleviate symptoms. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and undergo treatment under professional guidance. A detailed analysis follows:

1. Fuzi Lizhong Pills

Composed of processed Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi), Codonopsis Root (Dangshen), stir-fried Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu), dried ginger (Ganjiang), and licorice root (Gancao), this formula primarily functions to warm the middle burner, strengthen the spleen, and dispel cold. It effectively replenishes yang qi of the spleen and stomach while eliminating internal cold, and is indicated for symptoms such as cold pain in the epigastrium and abdomen, vomiting, diarrhea, and coldness in the hands and feet caused by spleen-stomach deficiency-cold.

2. Wenwei Shu Granules

Formulated with Codonopsis Root (Dangshen), processed Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi), Astragalus Root (Huangqi), cinnamon bark (Rougui), and Dioscorea Rhizome (Shanyao), this preparation warms the stomach, strengthens the spleen, and alleviates pain. It replenishes gastric yang and dispels gastric cold, and is suitable for cold-sensitive epigastric pain—particularly exacerbated by ingestion of raw/cold foods or exposure to cold.

3. Renshen Jianpi Pills

This formula contains ginseng (Renshen), stir-fried Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu), Poria (Fuling), and Dioscorea Rhizome (Shanyao). Its primary actions are to strengthen the spleen, tonify qi, harmonize the stomach, and stop diarrhea. It replenishes spleen-stomach qi and regulates digestive function. Indications include poor digestion, epigastric fullness and discomfort, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and loose stools resulting from spleen-stomach deficiency.

4. Xiangsha Yangwei Pills

Comprising Aucklandia Root (Muxiang), Amomi Fructus (Sharen), Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu), dried tangerine peel (Chenpi), and Poria (Fuling), this formula warms the middle burner and harmonizes the stomach. It replenishes gastric yang and promotes qi circulation to relieve pain, and is indicated for gastric pain and epigastric distension due to gastric yang deficiency complicated by damp obstruction and qi stagnation—manifesting as dull gastric pain, epigastric oppression and discomfort, acid regurgitation, and epigastric burning or uneasiness.

5. Lizhong Pills

Primarily composed of ginseng (Renshen), Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu), dried ginger (Ganjiang), and licorice root (Gancao), this formula strengthens the spleen, tonifies qi, warms the stomach, and dispels cold. It helps improve symptoms such as anorexia associated with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold.

Self-medication should be avoided to prevent improper management that may adversely affect health. Additionally, patients with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold should adjust dietary habits—avoiding excessive intake of raw, cold, or cooling foods—and maintain regular sleep-wake patterns to support recovery.